BURN IT TO THE GROUND

The moon hung high in the sky, casting silver light over the cold stone walls of Mother Olga's home. The air was thick with tension as the girls gathered in the dimly lit kitchen, their eyes darting nervously toward the heavy doors leading to the staff quarters.

It was their dinner time. And as per routine, we had to serve them.

The governess had checked on us several times with a hint of suspicion in her eyes.

I took a deep breath, steadying my shaking hands. In front of me, a steaming pot of forest daisy tea bubbled softly, its sweet, earthy aroma masking the bitter herbs I had slipped into the mixture.

The plan was simple—put everyone to sleep, free the girls, and destroy this wretched place once and for all.

Thania stood beside me, watching as I carefully poured the tea into multiple ceramic cups.

"Are you sure this will work?" she whispered.

I nodded. "Forest daisy tea is harmless, unless you add nightshade and spire root."